Last Friday at the 2018 Valley County Annual Award Ceremony the Ord Area Chamber of Commerce, Valley County Economic Development (VCED) and Valley County Community Foundation Fund (VCCFF) presented awards and recognized nominees for the eleven different categories.
The ceremony was opened up with remarks from Executive Director of VCED Trevor Lee, who welcomed and thanked everyone for their help and support. Lee went on to give specific thanks to the chamber, VCED and VCCFF for all the work they do for the community.
It was also noted that everyone nominated for the awards were all well deserving of the recognition.
Those who were awarded at the ceremony began with the three VCED Awards given by Gaylord Boilsen, President of VCED, and VCED board member Thomas Herman.
The winner of the Community Development & Improvement Award was the Loup Valley Veterans Memorial Wall.
The winner of the Silver Citizen Award was Gary Garnick of Ord.
Finally, the winner of the Excellence in Agribusiness was Simply Sunflower in Ord.
For the Ord Area Chamber of Commerce, the awards were given by Chamber President Jennifer Smith and Vice President Amos Lange.
The winner of the Partner in Progress Award went to Matt Woodward of Ord.
The Winner of the Interactive Media and/or Website Award was Utopia Spa & Health. They were also awarded the Rising Star Award.
Finally, the chamber gave out an award for the Honorary Lifetime Chamber Member and the recipient of this special award was Dale Karre. This was read at the ceremony in recognition of Karre and his achievements in life.
- The individual being recognized as this years Honorary Lifetime Chamber Member has dedicated 70 years to the Valley County business community during his time with the Ord Vet Clinic. After graduating from Scotia High School, he left for college at the age of 16 with a suitcase and a cardboard box. After graduating from college he moved to Ord and soon became a partner at the veterinary clinic. In addition to his professional work, he has generously served the community over the years as an Ord Public School Board member, Ord City Council member, Mayor of Ord and as an officer and member of every committee of the Ord United Methodist Church. His calming presence and kind heart have been extremely valued during his years as a hospice volunteer and he is currently in his 26th year of volunteer reading with elementary students, one of his greatest joys. His love and support for the people of this community is appreciated by many.
Lastly, for the VCCFF Awards, they were given out by VCCFF Chairman Heidi Proskocil and Vice Chairman Darlene Psota.
The Winner of the Exceptional Young Citizen Award was a tie between Shelby Kittle of Ord and United Methodist Youth Group Members & Sponsor Orilla Orent. Kittle was crowned the 2017 Nebraska Honey Queen and was recently named Beekeeper of the Year at the annual meeting of the Nebraska Beekeepers Association in Seward on Jan. 21. The youth group received the award as well for their continued contribution to community service.
The winner of the Dynamic Young Community Leader Award went to Riley Smith of Ord.
The recipient of the Outstanding Public Service Award was Kyle Campise of Ord.
Lastly, the winner of the High Impact Organization Award was given to Heartland Youth Ranch.